Teaching Philosophy

I am innately interested in culturization, the cultivation of intellectual and moral faculties through institutional and societal education to sculpt individuals into unique, self-determined beings. Awareness of this process is the foundation of my dedication to art in education. Art is an integral component of the human condition, whether it celebrates or condemns, exposes or conceals. Art is the continuation of culture.

As a studio educator, I facilitate the growth of my students as cultural beings through the art process. Basic skills are emphasized for beginning students to build a solid foundation on which to grow. Encouraging original responses to assignments, I have high standards for craftspersonship and the employment of the formal stylistic elements and design principles. Experimentation is encouraged to open paths of uncharted territory leading to personal expression. Because art does not occur in a vacuum, I encourage art historical and contextual exploration.

As an art educator, I facilitate the growth of my students as cultural beings through the art education process. Fundamentals are emphasized for beginning students that encompass content understanding, pedagogical approaches and professional dispositions. Experimentation is encouraged to open paths of uncharted territory leading to personal teaching styles.

Students will be exposed to various educational professionals and early field experience to strengthen their educational foundation.

The classroom environment is primary to the success of students. To enable students to grow, I create a positive learning environment that encourages creativity be engaging in an ongoing dialogue about the artistic process. Assessment is an important tool to gather information about my teaching abilities and student learning. I use formative and summative assessment to monitor student understanding. Feedback is open and frequent because knowledge motivates students to be active learners.

To be an effective educator, I devote time to professional development, research techniques, attend workshops and communicate with colleagues. As a professional, I enjoy the challenges teaching presents. A particular challenge is to be both an artist and educator, for the two are symbiotic. I project a positive role model for my students in that I am continually striving to balance making art and teaching art.
I facilitate the growth of my students as artists and cultural beings by means of artistic creation, reflection and dialogue. Through the process of art and teaching, they are encouraged to become independent, life long learners. Art production invokes powerful participation in the celebration of life.